Moment to Speak

In the Sanatana Dharmic (eternal order and eternal righteousness) tradition, the concept of bondage has been widely noted and discussed by seers, sages, practitioners, and the scriptures as well. It is an important philosophical and spiritual theme in this tradition. Karma (duty or activity) is the law that governs it, and it emerges from its association with " Samsara " (birth and death) or " Maya " (illusion). It is no doubt a fundamental aspect of the broader concepts of Dharma (righteousness), Moksha (liberation), and the pursuit of Self-realisation and Consciousness of the Self. Bondage is a shackle that entangles a being in psycho-physical dimensions, subsuming it in a state of, what Swami Chidanandasays, "earth consciousness." Ashtavakra Gita (8.1-4) defines bondage as the mind's desire, grief, rejection, attachment, pleasure, or displeasure. When the mind is bound to one sense, The Ashtavakra Gita contends, it is bondage; when it is not, ...

Kaivalya in the Sanatana Dharmic (eternal order and righteousness) tradition represents kevala , or solitude, or aloneness. It is the state of absolute liberation, or ultimate spiritual freedom. It is a state when the Yogi becomes conscious that "I have no connections. I am Kevala Purusha ," says Swami Sivananda. He explains that Kaiva lya is  Nirguna, Para Brahman , and Ananta consciousness, the Highest end of human life.   It refers to Self-realisation  or the realisation of Self.  Kaivalya refers to "absolute oneness, aloneness, perfect detachment, and freedom". Swami Sivananda asserts that Kaivalya (perfect independence) comes when the Gunas  ( tendencies, qualities, and attributes) , or modes of existence" devoid of motive, become latent. Or the power of consciousness gets established in its own nature. On the equality of purity between Purusha (Supreme Consciousness) and Sattva (mode of goodness) comes Kaivalya .  It is used by Pat...

Pradhana refers to the original, unmanifested source of the phenomenal universe. The primal or subline essence of the transient manifest universe. It is Prakriti  (matter or primal, ever-changing substance of the universe)  in its most dormant state—before the universe is created and before the three Gunas , or cosmic qualities or attributes of Sattva (Purity, Harmony), Rajas (Passion, Activity), and Tamas (Inertia, Darkness), begin to interact.  It is the "cosmic soup" or pre-matter from which all physical elements emerge. The term appears prominently in Shvetashvatara Upanishad (4.9-10), which explores the first cause of the cosmos. The Upanishad  describes Prakriti ( matter or primal, ever-changing substance of the universe),  also called Pradhana , as the imperceptible substratum of the manifest world or pre-matter. Brahman, or the Supreme Self ,  projects the universe through the power of Its Maya , or the illusionary manifestation. Aga...

Titikshā ( forbearance, endurance, and patience) hold significant weight in the Sanatan Dharmic (eternal righteousness or eternal order) tradition. It is the perceiver’s ability to endure or tolerate any sense-based, unconducive environment of hardships, difficulties, or pain without ever being agitated. It also refers to the acts of restraint, patience, tolerance, acquiescence, composure, and steadiness in any extreme situation. Swami Krishnnananda says titikshā, shraddha, and samadhana, along with other virtues of kshama, dhama, and uparati, are the power of endurance, faith, and the capacity to concentrate the mind, which form what are known as the satsampat, or the sixfold virtues. Titikshā needs to be practised, nurtured, and cultured to enhance the capacity to remain calm and composed, maintaining inner balance even when confronted with unfavourable circumstances or external stimuli. It often involves the deliberate choice to refrain from reacting or responding in a negative ...